KALESSIA, Village, GAZI

  It is a small, picturesque village with a traditional settlement of stone built houses, on a hill. It brings back past times of 1900 with the old quarter and the narrow allies that give a sense of tranquility and simplicity. The traditional coffee shops serve tsikoudia (local strong alcoholic drink) and Cretan rusks with olives from the local production and wine made from the famous grapes of Kalessa.
  At the square of the village there is Evagelismos church (Annunciation church), typical sample of the Venetian domination in Crete of 13th century. Another significant church is Ai Yiorgi church (St. George church), stone built in basilica manure, which dates back to 1300. The itinerary to Kalessa has been described to be not only naturalistic but also historic due to the monuments of the area. The route up to the village is passing through vineyards and olive groves, having sea as background from the one side and mountains from the other. Kalessa is built on a hill, the foot of which has many caves known since Minoan times that; were later developed by the Venetians and were modified with chiseled arches.